India Marks National Maritime Day with Vision for World’s Largest Maritime Museum in Lothal

By A Staff Reporter

Lothal, Gujarat, April 5 — As India celebrates National Maritime Day, the spotlight is on the country’s ambitious plan to establish the world’s largest maritime museum at Lothal, Gujarat — a site once famed as a thriving port of the Indus Valley Civilization. The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is a tribute to India’s 5,000-year-old seafaring legacy and a cornerstone of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi” (Heritage and Progress) vision.

The NMHC, spread over 400 acres and backed by an estimated investment of ₹4,500 crore, will serve as a global maritime knowledge hub, combining heritage preservation with innovation, tourism, and education. The complex is expected to attract both national and international visitors, maritime enthusiasts, scholars, and students.

Key features include 14 museum galleries showcasing India's ancient and modern maritime history, a Coastal States Pavilion highlighting the unique nautical traditions of each state, Harappan-era reconstructions, and four immersive theme parks.

The project is being executed in phases, with Phase 1-A targeting the opening of six museum galleries by the end of 2025.